Date Archives: July 2017

The Sanctuary, located in the heart of Boca Raton, represents the best of South Florida living. Residents will enjoy the seclusion and security of a guard-protected community, along with idyllic scenery, wildlife, and easy access to the open water. Indeed, the Sanctuary is one of our nation's most prestigious neighborhoods, and with a 20-slip marina, is also a prime location for yacht owners and enthusiasts. Living here allows access to the legendary Boca Raton Resort & Club, Mizner Park's world-class shopping and dining, and a private airport. Of course, the stunning properties are nothing to turn your nose up at. Here are six luxurious estates located within the borders of this covetable zip code, each offering a serene and elegant living experience in the Sanctuary.  

A Fabulous Example of Palm Beach Architecture

This outstanding example of Palm Beach architecture presides over a park-like landscape, and offers spectacular views of the sparking water from nearly every room. With 208 feet of deepwater and yacht dockage, thoughtful finishing touches inside and out, a secluded pool overlooking the ocean and a romantic garden, this six-bedroom Sanctuary estate boasts a unique flair and unparalleled elegance.

Estate for sale at 4101 Ibis Point Circle, Listed by D'Angelo/Liguori

A European-Inspired Estate with Rich Detailing

Step into a private world of luxury at this impressive, European-inspired estate in Boca Raton. The property presides over more than 200 feet of a world-famous, yachting enclave, and boasts a rich array of marble, granite, onyx and Bolivian rosewood detailing. The breathtaking foyer opens up into an elegant butterfly staircase and an accessible, open floor plan with ocean views.

Estate for sale at 751 Oriole Circle, Listed by D'Angelo/Liguori

An Expertly Designed, Italian-Style Villa

This beautiful estate is a stunning example of a designer renovation, and creates the experience of a luxe, boutique resort reminiscent of the villas on the shores of Italy's Lake Como. The picturesque layout was created by San Francisco's renowned Warren Sheets Design, who are recognized for covetable designs of world-class homes, resorts and hotels both locally and internationally. Here, you'll find abundant natural light, multi-yacht dockage, views of the Intracoastal Waterway, a secluded pool and unparalleled landscaping.

Estate for sale at 4060 Ibis Point Circle, Listed by D'Angelo/Liguori

A Newly Constructed Masterpiece on the Water

This newly constructed estate was created by Palm Beach-based master builder Dan Swanson, and the results of his efforts are nothing short of breathtaking. The single story floorplan includes four bedrooms, four and a half baths, and a three-bay garage totaling more than 7,000 square feet. Enjoy views of the canal from nearly every angle, and private access to 90± feet of shoreline. The open layout of the kitchen and living areas, and the garden-studded pool patio are the perfect mise en scéne for an evening of entertaining.

Estate for sale at 651 Sanctuary Drive, Listed by D'Angelo/Liguori

An Ornately Decorated Paradise

This newly constructed, Tuscan-inspired villa graces one of the largest lots in the Sanctuary. Throughout the property, you'll find elegant detailing, from large spanish-style arches and corinthian columns to artful tiling and ornate ceilings. After approaching the home on the circular drive-in (finished entirely with Chicago brick), retire to the backyard and lounge poolside in the South Florida sun.

Estate for sale at 4499 Sanctuary Lane, Listed by D'Angelo/Liguori

A Chic Estate with a Relaxed, California Vibe

The chic, modern design of this luxury home reflects a relaxed, California vibe, but the details and open layout radiate Florida elegance from every angle. Outside, you'll enjoy access to the peaceful Sanctuary waterfront, a pristine pool surrounded by meticulous landscaping, and views of the nearby nature preserve. Inside, the estate boasts modern amenities, abundant natural light, and spacious, sun-splashed bedrooms and bathrooms.

Estate for sale at 4798 Sanctuary Lane, Listed by D'Angelo/Liguori

Which Stunning Estate Caught your Fancy?

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments. Can't get enough of these breathtaking properties? See more Boca Raton homes for sale here.

There has never been a higher emphasis on healthy eating. Indeed, the number of mail-order meal packages with fresh ingredients on the market is at an all time high, and farm-to-fork restaurants are on the rise. We are certainly not complaining about the increasing availability of quality food in the area, but there is also no denying that it can be difficult to find the time to experience local restaurants or prepare meals at home. Fortunately, our area boasts one of the most incredible culinary atmospheres in the country, one that has given rise to some incredible personal chefs. Whether you are looking for someone to shop and prepare gourmet meals daily, or you are hosting a large event in the coming weeks, there are a variety of chefs in the area that will cater to your every need. Read on to explore some of the most talented names in the industry in the Fort Lauderdale area.  

Kitchen Killa

Photo courtesy of Jordan Hall of Purple Glass Visuals, via Kitchen Killa

Chef Kiara "Killa" Hardy is the culinary genius behind Kitchen Killa, an unrivaled personal chef service offering innovative and sophisticated comfort food. Hardy actually has a background in retail management, but recently walked away from that 12-year career to pursue her true passion for food — and we are so glad she did! She received formal training from the Culinary Institutes of America at the Art Institute, and spends every day creating true works of art with her cooking. She provides unlimited customizable personal chef experiences from elegant weddings at some of South Florida's most exclusive venues to intimate family friendly, in-home events. And from the quality of her globally inspired dishes, it is clear that the Kitchen Killa has found her calling.  

Personal Chef Calvin

Photos courtesy of Valentino Dors from Wavylord Productions, via Chef Calvin 

Chef Calvin fell in love with the culinary arts at a young age. After taking a two-year cooking seminar in high school, he dedicated his life to the craft. Now, he runs a successful personal chef service, creating weekly meal plans and catering yacht parties regularly with his energetic flair and innovative dishes. His talent has drawn the attention of professional athletes and celebrities, and earned him spots cooking for big names like Beyoncé, Mike Lowell, Josh Smith, Chief Keef, Lisa Hochstein & more. You do not want to miss out on his smoking watermelon cocktail at your next event — it is sure to be an instant hit.  

The Roasted Fig

Photo courtesy of the Roasted Fig 

There is no need to venture to a top-tier restaurant with the Roasted Fig onboard — Chef Freddy Kunkel's dishes are delicately and elegantly crafted with the tastes of the client in mind. From vegan ceviche to mouthwatering sliders and roasted fig salads, his dishes are crowd pleasers at parties and in the home. Hire him for a lavish, multi-course meal for your next dinner party or event. Vegan or gluten-free? Fear not — Chef Freddy is an expert at catering to dietary restrictions.  

A Perfect Package Personal Chef Service

Photos courtesy of A Perfect Package

Certified executive chef and owner of A Perfect Package, Steve Jones, has been in the industry for more than three decades. In that time, he has become an expert in nutritional training, and of course in preparing mouthwatering, nutritionally dense meals. He will work with clients to customize a menu, shop for all the needed ingredients, and prepare individually packaged meals for you and the whole family — each delivered to your door with detailed reheating instructions for maximum flavor and freshness. He is no stranger to the Whole 30 diet and other restrictions, and has experience cooking for celebrities and athletes. Some of his specialties include sesame seared salmon, Cajun dusted veal scallopini, and cedar pan-smoked, prosciutto wrapped pork loin with roasted tomatillo.  

Bon Appétit

Which chef would you be most excited to try? Let us know in the comments! Save Save

As a high-end luxury brand, we have the rare opportunity to work with some of the best interior designers and stagers in the country — and arguably, the globe.  Meridith Baer Home is one of these designers, and happens to also be one of the premier home staging companies in the nation. With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Hamptons, and Miami, they offer staging, luxury furniture leasing, and private interior design for a variety of clients. We caught up with Brianna Smith, the head of design of Meridith Baer Home in Florida, to get some insight into current design trends across the country, from the West Coast to the East Coast, and everywhere in between.

Property Located at 2884 NE 30th Street, Listed By Kevin Kreutzfeld

Property Located at 2884 NE 30th Street, Listed By Kevin Kreutzfeld

Property Located at 2884 NE 30th Street, Listed By Kevin Kreutzfeld

Since the main focus of the company is staging, Meridith Baer sees significant value in this step of the selling process. Not only does the appearance of a staged home please the eye, it creates an overall experience for buyers, as they can start to envision their life in the space. It's more than aesthetics; it's about captivating an audience.

"Even the most sophisticated buyers can have trouble walking through an empty home and seeing themselves living there," Smith said. "Staging not only eliminates the guesswork about where and how to place furniture, it shows potential buyers the lifestyle they could attain if they were to purchase the home."

Due to their wide reach across the country, Meridith Baer must understand the varying design trends from market to market, and coast to coast. Most noticeably, their coastal markets call for a more breezy, effortless look, while metropolitan areas often call for eclectic, curated staging.

"Each market has its own specific design requirements, in terms of both style and function," Smith said. "For example, we use smaller, more streamlined furniture in our San Francisco homes, since many of those are tighter spaces, whereas in Miami, we use larger furniture that epitomizes the 'coastal sleek' aesthetic, as we're often staging large estates with gorgeous ocean views."

Not only do the trends in each market vary from another, the ways of the design world are always evolving. Meridith Baer Home is always ahead of the curve when it comes to determining the current status of design, as they have a consistent gauge of the latest and most popular trends. At the moment, transitional design featuring clean lines and neutral colors is back en vogue on both coasts. There has been a noticeable move from stark modern interiors to a warmer, more welcoming aesthetic.

"Modernity is still alive and well, but it's maturing into a more comfortable mode that's both more attractive and more attainable for all types of buyers," said Smith. "Natural materials are taking center stage, and color palettes have expanded from monochromatic extremes to softer tones."

Meridith Baer has a stacked resume when it comes to staging homes in South Florida, so they deeply understand the design style of this region. In the more traditional homes they stage here, they have seen a shift from the heavy, dark Mediterranean aesthetic toward a lighter, more airy look reminiscent of coastal Montecito. The team even had a chance to show this transition by updating a home in the Royal Palm community. It was painted a bright ochre inside and out, with sage green trim. They painted the interior and exterior a gorgeous alabaster white, complemented by a dark navy trim and outriggers. They whitewashed the pecky cypress ceilings on the exterior loggia and courtyard with a light gradation of the same navy used on the trim. The result was absolutely jaw-dropping, and brought the property into the present day with a few brilliant paint color decisions.

Smith predicts that South Florida can expect to see some brass fixtures and accents used frequently on the West Coast. She says it is just a matter of time until they appear in force in our newly constructed properties. We are grateful for our partnership with Meridith Baer Home, as we trust their expertise and admire their dedication to their craft. Our exquisite properties they stage are able to shine all the more with their artistic touch, eye for beauty, and commitment to excellence.

Photography: © Edward Butera | ibi designs inc. | Boca Raton | Florida

While we appreciate a variety of architectural styles, there is something so striking and captivating about a modern home. Don't believe us? Take a look at these modern properties in Delray Beach, comprised of clean lines, high-quality materials, unique shapes, and lots of white space.  

Mediterranean With a Modern Twist

Property Located at 655 Pelican Way, Listed By Pascal Liguori

From the curb, this property looks exclusively Mediterranean — but don't judge a book by its cover! The interior has a refreshing modern feel, with sleek marble floors, a loft-style glass-and-steel staircase, and other contemporary features. Access the Intracoastal Waterway just outside, as you hop inside your yacht or boat resting in your own private dock.  

Chic Modern Redesigned Estate

Property Located at 10393 El Caballo, Listed By Brian + Bambi Ross

This redesigned masterpiece is nestled in an exclusive estate enclave, and includes a sports court, beautiful private pool, and a meticulously maintained yard. But it's what's inside this estate that catches our attention in particular. Every square inch is a modern work of art — from the bright and chic kitchen to the luxurious master suite.  

Luxury Townhome With Intimate Outdoor Area

Property Located at 210 Venetian Drive, Listed By Pascal Liguori

This residence is one of four luxury townhomes in a new development created by the renowned Seaside Builders and architect Richard Jones. Its modern-meets-East-Indies look is so appealing to the eye. This three-level townhome includes a private pool surrounded by an intimate outdoor area with lush landscaping. Plus, beachgoers can walk just two blocks to reach the alluring sugar sands of the Atlantic.  

Coastal Contemporary With Rooftop Pool

Property Located at 1017 Bucida Road B, Listed By Judith Lukens + Kim Lekas

This light and inspiring masterpiece by architect Randall Stofft is situated just steps from the sea. This brand new coastal contemporary residence is one of three in this enclave. Highlights include walls of glass, natural architectural elements, a rooftop pool, and seamless indoor/outdoor living.  

Brand New Townhome at 150 Oceanside

Property Located at 156 Andrews Avenue, Listed By Pascal Liguori

150 Oceanside is a brand new enclave of six homes in the heart of a vibrant, charming community in Delray Beach. The interior matches its striking modern exterior, with a contemporary upscale kitchen, three floors of open floor plan living space, and a secluded rooftop deck — all accessible via a private, four-story elevator.  

Classic Meets Modern

Property Located at 710 SE 8th Street, Listed By Judith Lukens + Kim Lekas

This modern Mediterranean estate is located on a tranquil basin-like waterway, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor entertaining by the sparkling saltwater pool and spa. The interior features a mixture of classic, elegant design and an overall modern, sleek feel. The abundance of white space and natural light creates an inviting and refreshing atmosphere.  

Dramatic Architectural Wonder

Property Located at 202 Venetian Drive, Listed By Pascal Liguori

This brand new modern estate was masterfully crafted by Seaside Builders and Richard Jones Architecture. The dramatic architectural flair of the exterior is simply a taste of its luxurious interior complete with sweeping, open floorplans, floor-to-ceiling glass, clean lines, and a three-story foyer.  

Stunning New Townhomes

Property Located at 215 Macfarlane Drive, Listed By Pascal Liguori

Seaside Builders is constructing this brand new collection of three modern luxury townhomes just steps from the celebrated beaches of Delray. The two end units are identical, and the middle unit features more square footage and a slightly different layout. However, all three units include three stories, impact-resistant glass doors, a state-of-the-art open kitchen, an interior balcony, a spacious master suite, a clubroom, a rooftop terrace, and more. Every bedroom in all three units has its own private balcony and full bathroom, providing the ultimate arrangement for guests.  

Which modern property catches your eye?

We would love to know! Let us know in the comments below.